Hilton Head Island, January 10, 2026
The Lowcountry region, including Hilton Head Island, is under a Special Weather Statement due to patchy fog on Saturday morning. Drivers should be cautious as visibility is reduced. This comes after a previous dense fog advisory was issued for several area counties. In related news, a fatal crash occurred on Interstate 20 in Columbia, and federal prosecutors are seeking a significant prison sentence for former lawmaker R.J. May for distributing child pornography. Other community updates include ongoing infrastructure projects and local events.
Hilton Head Island
The Lowcountry region, including Hilton Head Island, is experiencing patchy fog this Saturday morning, January 10, 2026. Drivers should be prepared for potential reductions in visibility. A Special Weather Statement was issued by the National Weather Service Charleston, SC, updated earlier today, indicating that visibility could be impacted. Current conditions reported at Charleston Executive Airport show 100% humidity with temperatures around 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Motorists are urged to exercise caution on area roadways.
This follows a similar advisory issued for the Lowcountry just yesterday. On Friday, January 9, a dense fog advisory was in effect until 10:00 AM for areas including Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County. During these conditions, visibility can drop to one-quarter mile or less, making driving hazardous. Authorities consistently advise drivers to slow down, use low-beam headlights to enhance visibility for themselves and others, and maintain extra distance between vehicles to allow for sudden stops.
Public Safety and Legal Developments Across South Carolina
In other significant news, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Interstate 20 in Columbia on Thursday afternoon, January 8, claiming one life. The collision, which happened around 3:00 PM, involved a Toyota minivan and a 2014 Jeep Liberty. According to the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Jeep overturned after attempting a lane change and striking the minivan. The driver of the Jeep was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in the minivan was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Legal proceedings are also making headlines, as federal prosecutors are advocating for a substantial prison sentence for R.J. May, a former South Carolina state lawmaker, who was found guilty of distributing child pornography online. This development underscores ongoing efforts to prosecute such severe offenses.
Further addressing public safety concerns, a deadly road rage incident was reported in Horry County. Reports indicate one fatality, and video footage capturing moments before the shooting has emerged. Meanwhile, statewide, the federal government is scheduled to commence garnishments of wages for hundreds of South Carolina residents this week, an action with significant financial implications for those affected.
Community, Infrastructure, and Environmental Updates
Infrastructure and community development remain key areas of focus. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) hosted a public hearing and open-house meeting on Thursday, January 8, to gather input on proposed improvements for Interstate 26 in Orangeburg and Dorchester counties. The project aims to enhance vehicle capacity, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve safety along a 27-mile stretch of the interstate by upgrading its design and interchanges. Public comments on these plans will be accepted through January 23, 2026.
Locally, on Hilton Head Island, a section of the boardwalk near the foot showers at Coligny Beach Park has been closed through January 10 for necessary deck board replacements. Visitors are advised to use caution and adhere to posted signage in the area.
Environmentally, a lawsuit has been filed in South Carolina seeking to halt the construction of a large data center planned near a nationally recognized nature preserve. This legal challenge highlights concerns over potential environmental impact. Additionally, observations off the South Carolina coast confirm the presence of at least three great white sharks.
In Beaufort County, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Agnes A. Major Community Center took place on Friday, January 9, marking a significant step forward for local recreational and leisure opportunities. The Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections also convened a meeting on Friday, January 9, to discuss the ongoing search for a new director for the department.
Addressing local housing, details regarding the rent structure for Hilton Head’s new worker housing project have been released, providing insight into affordability for local employees.
Culinary and Leisure Highlights
The culinary scene across South Carolina is vibrant with the ongoing Restaurant Week South Carolina, an 11-day celebration featuring discounted menus and special selections at participating restaurants statewide, including the Grand Strand area. This event runs from January 8 through January 18, 2026.
In the Lowcountry, the 6th annual Beaufort Oyster Festival is kicking off with its “Tides to Tables” Restaurant Week, which began on Thursday, January 9, and continues through January 18. A special foodie event is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at the Tabby Place at the Beaufort Inn, featuring local restaurants in an elevated tasting experience.
New dining options are also emerging, with a new restaurant and two additional eateries preparing to open soon at Compass Commons in Bluffton. Similarly, the Conway area is anticipating the opening of two new restaurants, one of which will be a second location.
For leisure enthusiasts, the Greenville RV Show is currently underway at the Greenville Convention Center, running from January 8 to January 11, 2026. Shoppers on Hilton Head Island have a new destination, as a new store has opened at Tanger Outlets.
Other Notable Mentions
A unique feature from the past 48 hours highlighted some of the strangest items available for sale on the South Carolina Facebook Marketplace, offering a glimpse into local online commerce. In Myrtle Beach, discussions are ongoing about changes tourists can expect following a rise in violent crime in downtown areas during 2025. On the sports front, the University of South Carolina successfully secured a coveted transfer offensive lineman, strengthening its football program.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What weather advisory is currently in effect for the Lowcountry, including Hilton Head Island?
- A Special Weather Statement for patchy fog is currently in effect for the Lowcountry, including Hilton Head Island, on Saturday morning, January 10, 2026.
- When was the previous dense fog advisory for the Lowcountry?
- An updated dense fog advisory was issued by the NWS Charleston SC at 12:30 AM on Friday, January 9, 2026, in effect until 10 AM, for Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County.
- What happened on Interstate 20 in Columbia on January 8?
- One person was killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in Columbia on Thursday afternoon, January 8, 2026.
- What is the latest development regarding former South Carolina lawmaker R.J. May?
- Federal prosecutors are seeking a long prison sentence for R.J. May, an SC ex-state lawmaker, who was found guilty of distributing child pornography online.
- What improvements are being considered for Interstate 26?
- The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) held a public hearing on Thursday, January 8, 2026, for proposed improvements to Interstate 26 in Orangeburg and Dorchester counties, aimed at increasing vehicle capacity, reducing congestion, and improving safety.
- What is happening with the Beaufort Oyster Festival?
- The 6th annual Beaufort Oyster Festival is kicking off with “Tides to Tables” Restaurant Week, running from Thursday, January 9, 2026, through January 18. A kickoff foodie event is scheduled for Saturday, January 10, at the Tabby Place at the Beaufort Inn.
- What is Restaurant Week South Carolina?
- Restaurant Week South Carolina is an 11-day celebration running from January 8-18, 2026, with restaurants participating statewide, offering special menus and selections.
- Are there any new housing projects in Hilton Head Island?
- Details regarding the rent structure for Hilton Head’s new worker housing project have been released.
Key Features of Recent South Carolina News (Jan 8-10, 2026)
| Feature | Details | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Advisory | Patchy fog for Saturday morning, Jan 10; Dense fog advisory for Friday, Jan 9, for Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, and Beaufort County. | Lowcountry (Hilton Head Island, Inland Jasper, Coastal Jasper, Beaufort County) |
| Fatal Traffic Accident | One person killed in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 in Columbia on Thursday, Jan 8. | State-level (Columbia) |
| Legal Development | Federal prosecutors seeking long prison sentence for ex-state lawmaker R.J. May for child pornography distribution. | State-level |
| Infrastructure Project | SCDOT public hearing held Jan 8 for I-26 corridor improvements in Orangeburg and Dorchester counties. | State-level (Orangeburg, Dorchester counties) |
| Local Development | Hilton Head Island boardwalk near Coligny Beach Park closed through Jan 10 for deck board replacement. | Hilton Head Island |
| Environmental Concern | Lawsuit filed to stop massive data center near a nationally renowned nature preserve. | State-level |
| Community Event | 6th annual Beaufort Oyster Festival’s “Tides to Tables” Restaurant Week (Jan 9-18) and kickoff foodie event (Jan 10). | Beaufort County |
| Statewide Event | Restaurant Week South Carolina (Jan 8-18), featuring discounted menus at participating restaurants. | State-level |
| Housing Initiative | Details released on rent for Hilton Head’s new worker housing project. | Hilton Head Island |
| Crime Update | Deadly road rage incident reported in Horry County. | Horry County |
| Economic Impact | Federal government to begin garnishing wages for hundreds of SC residents. | State-level |
| Wildlife | Three great white sharks confirmed off the South Carolina coast. | South Carolina Coast |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Savor the Season: Beaufort Oyster Festival Restaurant Week Approaches!
Dense Fog Advisory and Public Safety Updates in South Carolina
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Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
